The Significance of Christmas
Wednesday 22nd November 2023
A scriptural approach to Christian outreach
In a world where the birth of Christ has become commercialised and synchronised with many elements foreign to Christianity, Christmas at its core can still hold profound value for Christians as a powerful outreach tool. This is because it intertwines the joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ with the transformative message of salvation. The biblical narrative of the Nativity found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, becomes the cornerstone for sharing the redemptive love of Christ during this season.
In Matthew 1:21, the angelic message to Joseph reveals the purpose of Jesus' birth:
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
Christmas therefore is a celebration of the fulfilment of this promise—the arrival of the Saviour who brings salvation and reconciliation between God and humanity. We, as Christ-followers, should leverage this biblical truth as a foundation for outreach during the Christmas season, by emphasising the significance of Jesus as the ultimate gift of God's love.
Luke 2:10-11 captures the essence of Christmas and its universal appeal:
“And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.'"
The proclamation of “good news" and “great joy" becomes a rallying cry for Christians during the Christmas season, inspiring outreach that extends the message of hope to people of all backgrounds.
The act of gift-giving during Christmas reflects the divine generosity demonstrated by God's gift of His Son. John 3:16 underscores this sacrificial love:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
Christians motivated by this selfless act of God engage in acts of kindness, charity, and generosity as tangible expressions of the Christmas story, creating opportunities for outreach and relationship-building within their communities.
Christmas-themed events such as nativity plays and carol services offer Christians a platform to share the biblical narrative with those who may not regularly engage with the Christian faith. The season's symbols (including the manger, star, and angels) serve as visual aids that reinforce the message of God's incarnation and His desire for a relationship with humanity. Our special double services on the 3rd of December at 9 am and 11 am, will make use of these elements as an opportunity to engage with and invite those who see Christmas as a mere cultural event.
In conclusion, Christmas rooted in the biblical narrative of Jesus' birth, holds immense value for Christians as an outreach tool. A Christmas rooted in mere “seasonal sensationalism” will continue to miss the mark. By embracing the scriptural truths of salvation, joy, and divine generosity, Christ-followers can use this season to extend the transformative message of the Gospel to a diverse audience. Christmas becomes a living testimony of God's love and an opportunity for Christians to share the profound reality of Emmanuel—God with us.
Bringing Christmas to Life | Buy a tag!
As families across Melbourne come together and celebrate Christmas, let us not forget those who are struggling at this time of year. To this end, we are having an event where we invite our Food Pantry clients, pour love on them, and give them the ability to celebrate Christmas with their families.
Be a blessing by sponsoring
- a Christmas hamper for $55 and/or
- a food voucher/gift for a child for $30
Bring Christmas to Life by purchasing your gift tags at The Desk on Sundays between 9.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m., at 446 Centre Road, Berwick.
As part of this event, we are looking for people who can help in setting up on Friday (1st December) during the day and packing up on Saturday (2nd December) at 2 p.m. Let us know ASAP at [email protected] or 97021011 if you can assist.
Sunday Service | 26th November | 10.00am
It can be so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of life, that we forget what we are living for. What does it look like to live a life with an eternal purpose? Come along on Sunday as we wrestle with this question and unpack it together.
Baptisms | Sunday 26th November | 10.00am
This Sunday we will be conducting Water Baptisms. Baptism is a full immersion in water of those who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He was resurrected from the dead. It is a symbol that our old life is dead and our new life in Christ has begun.
Please complete the Expression of Interest form if you would like to be contacted about being Baptised.
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Kids Church | Sunday 26th November | 10.00am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | David praises God | 2 Samuel 6:12-15; Psalm 149:1-5
5 to 12-year-olds | Remembering Passover and the Lord’s Supper |1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Exodus 12
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 26th November | 5.45pm
The Men’s Prayer Group is a group of men who meet regularly to pray together. James 5:16 – speaks about the effect of fervent prayer and how it achieves great things! Come along and enjoy fellowship, worship, and prayer as men of faith gather to seek God for mighty breakthroughs. Time: 5.45 pm – 7.30 pm.
Boys Brigade | Monday 27th November | From 6.00pm
This is a shout out to all boys Grades 1 to 12. For over 20 years the Boys’ Brigade has advanced God’s Kingdom through empowering and equipping boys in the faith in practical ways. Come join in and be part of the action.
ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6 pm – 7.15 pm|
JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7 pm – 8.30 pm
SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7 pm – 9.15 pm
Clyde Church | Sunday 10th December | 10.00am
Life With New Freedom Series. Jesus promised a thriving life – but how do we practically step into this new life? It all begins with an encounter so join us on Sunday, December 10th at the Clyde Public Hall (30 Railway Rd, Clyde). A trained prayer team will be available for anyone seeking freedom or healing.
Exploring Partnership | Sunday 10th December | 12.30pm
Exploring Partnership is an important step in taking up co-ownership of the vision, mission, and purpose of our Church. This meeting is an opportunity to understand the role of partnership in the broader functioning of the Church. You will meet leadership and we will talk about how you can partner with us to make our vision a reality.
If you regularly attend Berwick Church of Christ and are not yet a partner, we would like to invite you to attend our next meeting and enjoy lunch together. See you at 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm.
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YA Social | Sunday 17th December | 5.30pm
HEY YOUNG AD’S, WE’RE GOING LAWN BOWLING!!! You are invited to our FINAL social of 2023! We are going to Berwick Bowling Club for some lawn bowls and dinner. The cost is $20, which includes bowls plus dinner. We can't wait to see you there!
Key Details:
- Date: 17th December 2023
- Location: Berwick Bowling Club, Edwin Flack Reserve, Berwick 3806
- Time: 5:30pm
- Cost: $20
- What to wear: Your best bowls attire!
All YA invited (including VCE). Drinks are not included but there is a cafe where you can buy drinks. Please note this is an alcohol-free event.
Young Families Camping Weekend at Warburton Holiday Park | 23rd-25th February
Yes, it's on again in 2024! This year about 60 people had an amazing time together at our first-ever Young Families Camping Weekend.
We are so looking forward to our next Young Families Camp in 2024. This is an awesome opportunity to invite camping friends who don't attend church and give them a chance to connect with other Christian young families in a relaxed environment.
Please check out next year's event by clicking on the link below and booking as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a campsite.
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Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
